Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao during a door-to-door visit in ​​Chickpet to make the public aware of the preventive measures to be taken against dengue on Wednesday.
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Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who on Wednesday launched a ‘Check, Clean and Cover’ campaign for dengue control in Bengaluru, called for greater public involvement in checking mosquito breeding, maintaining hygiene, and spreading awareness to control the spread of the vector-borne disease.

Speaking at the State-level National Dengue Day celebrations, the Minister said Bengaluru contributes over 40% of the total dengue cases reported in the State. Hence, it is necessary for citizens to take extra precautions. “We have deployed 700 volunteers and 240 health inspectors in Bengaluru to facilitate active participation of communities and initiate preventive measures,” he said.

Prevent breeding

Pointing out that the campaign emphasises the importance of regularly checking for mosquito breeding sites, cleaning surroundings, and covering water containers to prevent the spread of dengue, the Minister called upon the volunteers, ASHA workers, health workers, and public to work in coordination to prevent mosquito breeding.

Early summer showers, construction activity, and water stagnation have led to mosquito breeding, and residents across Bengaluru are feeling the sting. Of the total 1,452 dengue cases reported in the State till May 21 this year, as many as 652 are from BBMP areas alone.

In fact, the number of dengue cases saw a sharp rise in the last 20 days. From 1,186 cases as of April 30, the number shot up to 1,452 as of May 21. With more rain predicted in the coming days, health authorities are concerned about the resultant water stagnation and mosquito breeding in the aftermath of the rains. The department is gearing up to prevent any outbreak.

Door-to-door visits

Earlier, the Minister went door to door in the Kumbaragundi layout of ​​Chickpet to make the public aware of the preventive measures to be taken against dengue. Dengue is caused by day-biting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that breed in fresh and clean water units such as tanks, household bins, old tyres, and coconut shells. “It is important for people to avoid water stagnation as this will check mosquito breeding. We can control the spread of dengue with people’s active involvement,” he added.